01:52
China to fully reopen borders and shelve mandatory quarantine from January 8
Source:
https://scmp.com/comment/opinion/article/3204718/mainland-and-hong-kong-face-toughest-tests-border-reopening Comment
Mainland and Hong Kong to face toughest of tests in border reopening
- As welcome as a return to normality is, care must be taken not to raise the risks of further Covid outbreaks or for health facilities to be overwhelmed by arrivals
Despite the outbreaks in recent weeks, citizens on both sides have taken advantage of the gradual relaxation of restrictions to dine out, shop and travel. Photo: Kyodo
At long last, China will reopen its borders and ease control over the coronavirus starting from January 8, paving the way to eventually bring public life back to normal.
This also means visitors from Hong Kong and the rest of the world can expect fewer restrictions.
The surprise breakthrough is undoubtedly good news to many who have been longing for a reopening of the border, but it will also put authorities on both sides to the greatest test.
It is important that the process is smooth and health risks are manageable.
The downgrading of the disease to a common respiratory infection means there will be no compulsory lockdowns any more.
While there will be PCR tests 48 hours before departure for inbound travellers, they will no longer be quarantined, and restrictions on international flights will also be removed, according to the National Health Commission.
Arrangements for foreigners to enter China, such as for work or business, will be improved as well. But closed-loop management may still apply under strengthened prevention and control protocols at key facilities, such as care homes for the elderly.
The easing of curbs was seemingly impossible under the previous “zero-Covid” policy.
Indeed, three years of stringent controls have taken a heavy toll on the mainland and Hong Kong, both economically and socially.
Despite the disturbing outbreaks in recent weeks, citizens on both sides have taken advantage of the gradual relaxation of restrictions to dine out, shop and travel.
The economies have also picked up further after a long period of recession. The bounce underlines the urge to bring life back to normal.
05:22
Crowds and traffic jams return to Beijing as China learns to live with Covid-19
The move to finally “live with the virus” is to be welcomed, but it will also bring yet another major challenge to the authorities on the mainland and in Hong Kong.
How this will affect the outbreak and the city’s Covid policies shall be closely watched.
The news has understandably drawn mixed reactions. To those longing for family reunions, holidays and business trips, it is an overdue and welcome change.
But it also raises concerns over a possible rise in health risks, and an influx of mainlanders for vaccinations and medications. The potential impact on society cannot be underestimated.
The opening up is, after all, not simply pressing a button. Last year, it took a long time for authorities on both sides to prepare for a gradual and orderly resumption of cross-border travel, only to be stalled by a deadly fifth wave.
There are barely two weeks left to get ready this time. This includes getting cross-border transport as well as customs and immigration clearance up and running again.
Adding to the challenge are the unsettling outbreaks on both sides. Every effort must be made to ensure their impact is under control.